Steak & Queso Rice

This delicious Steak & Queso Rice recipe combines juicy steak, creamy queso, and perfectly seasoned rice for a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s a great weeknight dinner option or a dish to impress guests, offering restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and savory: The combination of tender steak and creamy queso adds incredible richness to the dish.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Versatile: It can be served as a main dish or a side and is easily customizable with different toppings or add-ins.
• One-pot meal: You can cook everything in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness paired with the juicy steak.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into strips
• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Queso (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• Jalapeño or green chilies (optional, for heat)
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the steak: Season the steak strips with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Combine rice and queso: Lower the heat to medium. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir in the queso. Mix until the rice is fully coated and creamy.
4. Add the steak: Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet and toss with the cheesy rice until everything is well combined.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or other toppings as desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Swap the protein: Use grilled chicken, ground beef, or shrimp instead of steak.
• Add veggies: Enhance the dish with corn, black beans, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add more jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
• Change the cheese: If you don’t have queso, you can melt shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any favorite cheese into the dish.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the steak and load up on sautéed vegetables for a meatless version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover steak for this recipe?

Yes, leftover steak works perfectly. Just add it at the end to avoid overcooking.

2. What type of queso should I use?

You can use store-bought queso or make your own. Any melty, creamy cheese sauce will work.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. Just store it properly in the fridge.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free queso and seasonings, the recipe can be gluten-free.

5. Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

6. How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add more jalapeños, green chilies, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

7. What toppings go well with this dish?

Fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or diced tomatoes make great toppings.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze it, but the texture of the rice and queso may change slightly upon thawing.

9. What side dishes pair well with Steak & Queso Rice?

A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or tortilla chips would pair well.

10. Can I make it dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free queso or a vegan cheese substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and versatile enough to suit different tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it for a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a go-to recipe that you’ll love adding to your rotation.

Print